United Way gives special awards to businesses

May 04, 2010|By Lorene ParshallStaff Writer

Clay Cronine and Ken Powers (l-r) accept a Platinum Award for Cooper Standard from United Way Board President Sandy Allison (r).

GAYLORD —

“It’s not always what you receive, but how you use it to make a difference,” said United Way (UW) director Tammie Rich, discussing the affect of the worsening economy on the Otsego County fundraising year.

“We raised 80 percent of our goal this year,” she noted. “We didn’t make goal last year either, but the year before we exceeded it.”

At the April 27, “Live United” Appreciation Luncheon at Marsh Ridge Resort, UW provided heart-felt thanks, awards and a tasty lunch to express its gratitude to volunteers and contributors.

Rich acknowledged the agencies sponsored by UW, then shared the podium with Board President Sandy Allison to present awards.

Representatives from Cooper Standard, Fifth Third Bank and Treetops attended to accept Platinum Awards honoring businesses for collecting $3,000 and over. A total of 13 businesses received awards in that category, but 10 of them were unable to attend the luncheon.

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Representatives from Northwestern Bank, which also sponsored the luncheon, attended to accept a Gold Award for contributions in the $2,000 to $2,999 range. Three other area businesses, unable to attend, received the award.

Independent Bank, Treetops and H&H Tube Mfg. Co., three of 10 companies receiving the award, sent representatives to accept the Silver Award for the $1,000 to $1,999 donation range.

A Bronze Award, $500 to $999, was accepted by Bonnie Vance, owner of Vance’s Rehab Center, one of 11 businesses that received that award.

Nancy Morgridge, representing Catholic Human Services (CHS), also accepted a Bronze for her agency. CHS received additional accolades for the 100 percent participation of its employees in the UW drive.

Lists of individual donors were provided in the UW annual report passed out during the luncheon. Board members whose terms were expiring also were honored.

The luncheon, however, did not signal the end of the never-ending need to raise funds.

“Donations are trickling in and we could still reach 85 percent of our goal,” said Rich. “It’s not too late to contribute. We’re planning the kick-off for next year’s campaign for August.”